Consumer Safety Inspector

Responsibilities

• Ensure regulated establishments produce a safe product by executing inspection methods, determining non‑compliance with regulatory requirements, documenting non‑compliance, and initiating enforcement action when warranted.
• Verify that meat and poultry slaughter and/or processing establishments' Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plans meet regulatory requirements and are executed effectively.
• Review records, observe plant operations, and conduct hands‑on verification to ensure compliance; prepare detailed documentation of non‑compliance.
• Determine when regulatory control action is necessary and assess corrective or preventative actions for effectiveness.
• Conduct regulatory oversight activities related to economic adulteration, misbranding, and other consumer protections.
• Communicate with plant managers and others to explain legal and regulatory requirements and discuss operation of SSOP and HACCP plans.
• Defend determinations on non‑compliance issues and discuss plans for addressing non‑compliance.
• Resolve problems and clarify interpretations concerning HACCP and other food safety or consumer protection requirements.
• Advise other agency inspectors, supervisors, and officers on inspection and enforcement matters.
• Perform sampling, surveys, and tests to collect data on potential problem areas, industry trends, or other issues of current interest.
• Conduct health and safety verification sampling and tests for detection of specific microbes (e.g., salmonella, listeria), residues, or contaminants.
• Ensure export‑approved products fully comply with all applicable federal regulations governing the importation of meat and poultry products.
• Authorize entry of all meat or poultry products that comply with federal regulations or refuse entry of any products violating admission requirements.
• Coordinate with other federal agencies (e.g., APHIS or U.S. Customs and Border Protection) on matters such as animal health restrictions and refused entry lots.

• Training as a condition of employment (TCOE) required; must begin within 90 days and complete within 12 months of selection.
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. National; males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of a one‑year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment medical examination.
• Minimum age 18 years.
• Pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and effectively communicate in English.

GS-05 Level: At least 52 weeks of qualifying experience involving regulated food commodities or substances (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beverages, pharmaceuticals). Experience should demonstrate proper sampling techniques, field tests, written reporting, oral communication, and effective contact with stakeholders.

GS-07 Level: Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, with independent performance of routine assignments.

GS-08 Level: Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, plus experience inspecting under the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts; basic SSOP and HACCP verification; and elementary statistical sampling methods.

GS-09 Level: Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08, with additional independent duties such as recommending refusal of exports and providing coverage at locations outside the official duty station.

GS-05 Level: 4‑year bachelor’s degree with major in agricultural, biological, or physical sciences; food technology; epidemiology; home economics; pharmacy; engineering; or nutrition. Specialized government or military training related to the position is creditable.

GS-07 Level: One full year of directly related graduate education, or a combination of graduate education and specialized experience equivalent to 100% of the requirement.

GS-09 Level: Two full years of directly related graduate education or a directly…